BVI News

Gov’t confirms Guyana visa exemption now in effect

The government has officially confirmed that Guyanese nationals can now visit the territory visa-free, marking a significant step in strengthening ties with the Caribbean nation.

The announcement comes weeks after Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was in the works between the two countries that signalled the shift in policy.

The policy change, announced in a recent Cabinet statement, is expected to enhance travel, tourism, and economic collaboration between the two countries.

The visa exemption was approved under section 37 (4) of the Immigration and Passport Act (Revised Edition 2013), allowing Guyanese nationals to enter the BVI for up to six months for business or tourism. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley expressed optimism about the policy, noting that it underscores a vision of regional cooperation.

“This step strengthens the bond between our countries and the region, facilitating greater ease in travel, trade, tourism, and investment,” Dr Wheatley stated. “It underscores our shared vision of regional cooperation and opens new opportunities for people-to-people exchange.”

Premier Wheatley announced the exemption during a press conference on 30 September, noting the BVI’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for Caribbean nationals. “Many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters already benefit from visa-free access to the BVI, and we are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana, a giant in our Caribbean community,” Premier Wheatley stated.

The Cabinet announcement follows recent discussions between the two countries to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost diplomatic relations further. The MoU is expected to expand cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, and immigration. Dr Wheatley also acknowledged Guyana’s rapid economic growth, driven by its oil and gas sector, and highlighted the BVI’s intent to explore new partnership opportunities with the resource-rich nation.

Dr Wheatley, who also oversees the Ministry of Finance and Tourism, emphasised the potential for collaboration in renewable energy, a key priority for both countries. “The country’s newfound wealth will aid the BVI in developing key areas outlined in the MoU,” he noted.

Wheatley explained previously that the policy had been in the works for nearly a year, aiming to support free movement and closer collaboration with Guyana. In addition to diplomatic and economic benefits, the new visa exemption is expected to make travel easier for the significant Guyanese community residing in the BVI.

Shares

Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

16 Comments

Disclaimer: BVI News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the comments below or other interaction among the users.

  1. HERE THEY COME says:

    THE FLOOD GATE HAS BEEN OPENED UP…WOW!

    Like 10
    Dislike 4
  2. @Here they come says:

    Really???? LOL cause what??? This is the promised land??? When yall leave here and go have your babies in the USVI, Puerto Rico Atlanta, Florida etc. It’s okay right?? Sick MS

    Like 15
    Dislike 5
    • mehn says:

      Them same so called Islander go off island and have their babies- soon the BVI will be all Americans and BVI belongers and the kids that were born HERE to expat parents will have the upper hand- give it a few years things will change.

  3. GiveItTime says:

    Frazer scheming for a work around to reverse this lol. He might not achieve, but i’m sure he’s scheming.

    -GIT

    Like 9
    Dislike 1
  4. Anonymous says:

    Oh Lord, help these islands, more rot being free to enter.

    If they anything like those down the way, these islands an businesses frig ah tell you.

    The proponent of such a bill. should know better.

    Like 2
    Dislike 6
  5. BVI? says:

    @Here they come if you are not from the BVI shut your mouth you guys believe because you live in the BVI you has the same rights.

  6. Vex says:

    Well, Guyana hit oil and they are not “Island People,” Somebody tell the ignorant on this island that Guyana is not an island.

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
    • Facts says:

      Speak louder for those in the back…Guyana is NOT an Island, sitting on 83,000 square miles

      Like 1
      Dislike 2
    • Always & Forever says:

      Guyana will remain poor no matter how much oil within their reach.
      Their country has always been such in varied natural resources.
      Wealth eludes them rvrn ehen at their fingertips because of their low character and cannibalistic behaviour. They are cursed as a result. The most gruesome murder of history ofthese VI was committed by a Guianese and his fellow Guianese scavengers stood in our streets and cheered him. They will not prosper no matter how much oil.VenezuelaThey will curse the day that oil dozed in sight.Venezuela and friends will
      teach them good and leaving these VI,unfortunately they are not that kindhearted. Say I Say!!

      Like 2
      Dislike 4
      • Anonymous says:

        RICHER THAN THE BVI though!!!

        When last de government here do something good for it’s people. Look at the roads as an examples at least you can see that Guyana is taken their oil money and invest it into their country. Even if they are thieving it the people can see the investment

  7. Eldread says:

    Well! Well! Them Tortola man who thus sponsor these indian girls to come in and have their way, has the privilege cut, no more pu**y cat.

  8. Hate ! Racism ! says:

    You all see how you hate expats and belongers from other Caribbean countries!!
    Take a deep
    Look

    You see what hapoen in the US
    White hate blacks. ,
    Overworked them
    Treat them like dirt
    Obama became president
    See Kamala again
    Be careful how you treat people
    Nobody is saying to roll over and give away your rights…. Treat those among you with respect
    Some of you are sooo afraid to say expat help
    And work alongside you to build the country
    Afraid to hounor an expatriate
    Afraid to acknowledge the work done and is continuing
    To do
    Afraid if you
    Marry into the family you come to
    Take away something
    From them even though you work alongside your other half

    WHY
    But brag and feel great when your sons and daughters go
    To
    The US or the Uk
    And achieve and doing well
    What a place??))

  9. Domestic issues says:

    Increased to domestic violence now. It was alrdy high with the tolans alone. Oh Boi wuk bby

  10. Island Man says:

    Guyana needs workers .The government is giving all Guyanese 18 years and older $ 500 US each .
    The table is turning around now.

  11. Suss says:

    Guyana have oil

Leave a Comment

Shares